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Dirk Wijnalda makes his way up Gaustatoppen, at 1,850m above sea level towards the finish line during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon in Eodfjord, Norway, Aug. 3, 2013.

The race, which was first held in 2003, runs point to point, or fjord to peak, and is considered by many to be the world's ultimate triathlon. The race begins at sea level in the Hardangerfjord, one of the largest fjords in Norway, then crosses the Hardangervidda plateau and finishes 220 km from the start at the Gaustatoppen mountain peak, 1,850 meters above sea level.

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Athletes swim in the Hardangerfjorden during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

Owners and organizers of the Hardangervidda Triathlon Club limit the number of competitors to 250.

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Athletes make their way up Gaustatoppen, at 1,850m above sea level towards the finish line during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

Credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Athletes jump from a ferry into the Hardangerfjorden for the start of the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon in Eodfjord, Norway, Aug. 3, 2013.

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Onlookers cheer for the triathletes as they make their way up Gaustatoppen, at 1,850m above sea level towards the finish line during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug.3, 2013.

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Markus Stierli makes his way up the Gaustatoppen, at 1,850m above sea level towards the finish line during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

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A triathlete cycles up the Hardangervidda during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

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Inger Liv Bjerkreim Nilsen makes her way up Gaustatoppen, at 1,850m above sea level towards the finish line during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

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An athlete makes their way up Gaustatoppen, at 1,850m above sea level towards the finish line during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

Credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

A triathlete takes refreshment while cycling across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

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A triathlete cycles across the Imingfjell plateau during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

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Athletes make their way up Gaustatoppen, at 1,850m above sea level towards the finish line during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

Credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

A triathlete cycles across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

Credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

A triathlete cycles across the Imingfjell plateau during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

Credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

A triathlete cycles across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

Credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

A triathlete cycles up Imingfjell during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

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Athletes leave the water after their swim in the Hardangerfjorden during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

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Athletes swim in the Hardangerfjorden during the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, Aug. 3, 2013.

Credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Athletes board a ferry prior to the start of the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon swim in the Hardangerfjorden, Aug. 3, 2013.